Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1887-07-15

occasion would give me an opportunity to
visit. The exactions of my public duties
L felt TO be so uncertain, however, that
when first confronted by the delegation of
which you were the head, expected TO
do no more at that time than to promise
the consideration of the double invitation
rendered me, and to express the pleasure
1t would give me TO accept the same there
after if possible. But the cordiality and
sincerity or your presentation rein
forced by the heartiness of the peo-
pie who surround you, so impressed me
that l could not resist the feeling which
prompted me to assure you on the spot
thst l would be with you and the
Grand Army of the Republic at the time
designated if nothing happened in the
meantime to absolutely prevent my leav-
ing Washington. immediately upon the
public announcement of this conclusion,
expressions emanating from certain i'm
portant members of the Grand Army of
the Republio and
INCREASING IN VOLUME AND yIRULENCE
constrained me to review my acceptance
of these invitations. The expressions re-
ferred to go to the extent of declaring
that L would be ar unwelcome guest at
the time and place of the national en-
campment. This statement is based as
we'll as | can Judge, upon certain official
acts of mine, involving important pualic
interests, done under the restraints and
obligations of my oath of Office,
which do not appear to accord with
the wishes of some members of the
G. A. r. | refuse to believe that this or
ganization, founded upon patriotic ideas,
lasting honor and consideration, and
whose crowning glory it should be that
they are American citizens as well as vet
eran soldiers, deems it part of its mis-
sion to compass any object or purpose by
attempting to intilnidate or coerce those
who are charged with making and execut-
ing the laws. And yet the expressions to
which l have referred indicate such
prevalence of unfriendly feeling and such
a menace to an occasion which should be
harmonious, peaceful and cordial, that
they cennot be ignored. | beg you
to understand that am not conscious of
any act of mine which should make me
fear to meet the Grand Army of the Re
public, or any other assemblage of my
follow citizens. The account of my Off
cial stewardship is always ready for
PRESENTATION TO MY ooUNrRYMEN.
| should not be frank if / failed to con
fess, while disclaiming ali resentment,
that have been hurt by the unworthy
and wanton attacks upon me growing out
in which my actions and motives have
been misrepresented both publicly and
privately, for which, however, the Grand
Army of the Republic as a oody, is by no
means responsible. The threats of per
sonal violence ard harm in case / under
take the trip in question which scores of
misguided and unbalanced men under
the stimulation of excited feelings have
made, are not even considered. Rather
than abandon my visit to the west and
disappoint your citizens, might, if L
alone were concerned, submit to the ia
suit to which, it is quite openly asserted
1 would be he.plessIy subjected if present
at the encampment. But should bear
with me the peoples highest Office,
THE DIGNITY OF WHICH / MUST PROTECT
and I believe that neither the Grand
Army of the Republic as an organization,
nor anything like majority of its mem
bers, would ever encourage any scandal
Gus attack upon it. If, however, among
the membership of this body there are
some, as certainly seems to be the case.
determined to denounce me aad my Of
fetal acts at the national encampnent, /
believe they should be permitted to DO so
unrestraIned By my presence as guest of
their organization or as a guest of the
hospitable city in which their meeting is
held. A number Of Grand Army posts
have signifed their intention, am in
formed, to remain away from the encaIn P
ment in case l visit the city at that time.
Without considering the merit of saet
an excuse feel that l ought not to be the
cause of such non-atteHdance. The time
and place of the encsmpment were fixed
long before my invitations were re-
ceived. Those desiring to Partici'
pate in its proceedings should be first
regarded, and no one should be permit
ted to interfere with their intentions.
Another confederation of far more I'm
portance than all others remains TO be
noticed. Tine fact was referred to by you
when you verbally presented the invita-
ton of the citizens of St. Louis, that the
coming encsmpment Of the Grand Army
of the Republic would be the first held in
a southern state. / suppose this fact was
mentioned as pleasing indication of the
fraternai feeling so fast gaining ground
throughout the entire land and hailed by
every patriotic citizen as an earnest that
the union has really and in fact been
saved in sentiment and spirit with all thu
benefits it vouchsafes to a united people.
I cannot rid myself Of the belief that the
least diseord on this proPitious occasion
MIGHT retayd the nrt>0yese nj